Cool MateCome on then vs Move along
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Come on then
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Move along
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Move alongMost common: Move along
| Come on then | Move along | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kʌm ɒn ðen//🇺🇸 //kʌm ɑn ðɛn// | 🇬🇧 //muːv əˈlɒŋ//🇺🇸 //muːv əˈlɔːŋ// |
| Meaning | A phrase used to encourage someone to proceed. | To keep going or proceed. |
| Example | Come on then, let's get started with the meeting. | The crowd was asked to move along to avoid blocking the entrance. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | Come on then, let's go, Come on then, hurry up, Come on then, show me, Come on then, what's the plan | move along quickly, move along smoothly, move along with progress, move along the path, move along to the next topic |
| Common mistakes | Misunderstanding the tone - it's encouraging, not commanding., Using in formal situations where it's inappropriate. | 'Move along' used incorrectly as a single verb without 'along', Confusing 'move along' with 'move on' which has a different connotation, 'Move along' used in inappropriate formal situations |
| Usage notes | Use in casual conversations to prompt someone to take action. Avoid in formal settings. | Use 'move along' to suggest progression or to tell someone to leave. It's neutral and suitable in most contexts, but can be more direct in informal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Come on then vs Move along
What's the difference between Come on then and Move along?
Come on then: A phrase used to encourage someone to proceed. Move along: To keep going or proceed.
Which is more formal: Come on then and Move along?
Move along is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Come on then and Move along?
Move along is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Come on then: Come on then, let's get started with the meeting. Move along: The crowd was asked to move along to avoid blocking the entrance.
Can I use Come on then and Move along interchangeably?
Not always. Come on then and Move along are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.